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It is one thing to say yes to an online video marketing strategy, it's another to actually take action. One of the biggest barriers to video creation is taking that first step in front of the camera. What do I say? Will I look bad? Who will actually watch this thing?

Recently, I took an official step in front of the camera as the founder of HD Medical Marketing to explain who we are. I knew who my audience was, what problems I was hoping to solve, and what I wanted them to do within the video. But getting in front of the camera felt no different from what my clients often tell me they experience.

What we do we to help get past hurdles?
Funny enough, the biggest step is to get the video shoot scheduled. You're on the hook to get it done and that proverbial bus is rolling.

Here we are at the shoot, 5 days after we scheduled it. A little nerve-wracking but in the end, getting it scheduled was the best thing I could have done.

Next week, I will share what we did to prepare for the video shoot. See you then.

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You run a great practice, and you're good at what you do! More than likely, you have plenty of happy patients willing to record a testimonial for you. Want compelling patient testimonials easier, faster, and cheaper? Follow these 5 tips:

1. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
Who wants to hug you during their post-op appointments? Who has already given you a glowing review? Ask these patients if they would be willing to share their experience with others on video during their next visit. Not everyone will say yes but you'd be amazed at how many people want to tell the world how great they feel and why they recommend you. We recommend doing the interview at their NEXT appointment.

2. Make It a Routine
Asking for reviews and testimonials should be part of every doctor's marketing plan.
Commit to asking 4 patients per month if they would be willing to share their experience. Set up a filming corner, with a simple backdrop and good lighting. Establish a list of open-ended questions that elicit heartfelt responses. Finally, determine a method for quick, easy, and regular posting of your patients’ stories. YouTube, your website and TouchMD are great options.

You can use a simple camera or tablet video along with a tripod. For more ideas on video set up, subscribe to our blog.

3. Ask The Right Questions
Real patients naturally connect with viewers. Their gratitude and renewed confidence is palpable when the right questions are posed.

- How did you find us? Did a friend refer you, or did you see a positive online review about us?
- What are three words that describe life before you came to our practice? What are three words that describe it now?
- If your friends were thinking about using our practice, what would you tell them to do?

Be sure to thank your patients and get a waiver of consent. They'll leave their video shoots feeling good about what they've done and clear on where the videos will appear.

4. Build a Community of Evangelists
Satisfied patients viewing other satisfied patients on your website and your YouTube channel reinforces satisfaction! The sense of community might even compel new patients to record their unique experience as well.

5. Don’t Give In To Temptation
You might get a call from a business that can do testimonials for you with actors but do not give in to temptation. The FCC requires reasonable disclosure when someone promotes your clinic in exchange for money. Integrity matters.

Here is a recent example of a patient who not only shared from the heart but made us all laugh too: video testimonial.